The Qualities of a Thoughtful Listener
What does it take to be a thoughtful listener?
What does it take to be a thoughtful listener? Here are some qualities to practice:
Presence
Thoughtful listeners focus on the speaker, give undivided attention, and make them feel heard and valued.
Empathy
Empathy is understanding and sharing others' feelings. Thoughtful listeners put themselves in the speaker's shoes, validate their emotions, and show compassion.
Open-mindedness
Thoughtful listeners keep an open mind, avoid assumptions, and seek to understand the speaker's reasoning.
Non-judgmental attitude
A thoughtful listener creates a safe, judgment-free environment for the speaker to express themselves.
Active engagement
A thoughtful listener engages by asking relevant open-ended questions, seeking clarification, and providing feedback to show understanding.